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Saturday, 30 April 2016

In just 4 days, Beyoncé's #1 album 'Lemonade'opened in the US with 501,000 in *pure sales.* With sales plus streaming (SPS), the total figure rises to 664,000.

Sheis now the ONLY artist to ever have 6 consecutive debut albums go to #1 on the Billboard 200! The project also
tops the UK chart with first week sales of 73,000 (14% streaming). The set is her third solo #1 album in the UK.Everyone is talking about Drake selling 630,000 copies in one day. But half a mill in less than a week from a black female artist is amazing given today's circumstances.

It is the second single from her latest album 'Unbreakable.' Janet has scrapped her tour (pissing off fans in the process) because she is trying to have a kid at 50 and waited a very long time to drop a second music video (at least it'll be a dance one I guess). Such a waste of what could have been a rock solid era. It just feels like she only released this album simply because she was pressurized.

Calvin Harris and Rihanna's new tune 'This Is What You Came For' is a very generic and tired EDM radio hit.

The tune itself has a catchy beat but there is no depth. It is typical CH, and sounds like all of his other tracks. Very been there done that. It's the perfect summer tune to blast out while driving around, but completely forgettable. As expected, the masses are eating it up. The track is was #1 on iTunes worldwide (dethroning Beyoncé's 'Formation'). ETA: Drake has dethroned her.

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Beyoncé kicked off her 'Formation' world tour in Miami last night. She delivered past hits and cuts off her new album 'Lemonade.'

Despite all the infidelity rumors surrounding the album, she conveniently declared her undying love to husband Jay Z, who also watched from the audience. "I want to dedicate this song ('Halo') to my beautiful husband. I love you so much," she said. And just when she had some of you lot thinking 'Lemonade' was a one hour divorce announcement.

Alicia Keys says, "I'm extremely excited to share my new music at the UEFA Champions League Final" opening ceremony on May 28th.

The Pepsi hosted gig is a big deal. It will be the first time ever that the UEFA Champions League Final will feature a global live music headline performance as part of the opening ceremony pageantry. Airing in more than 220 countries, the UEFA Champions League Final is the most watched annual sporting event in the world. Another major booking for Ms Keys!

Rihanna and Calvin Harris are set to premiere their new single 'This Is What You Came For' on Friday, April 29th.

Po Kesha and Zedd couldn't even get their shine! The mystery song comes almost five years since the duo topped the charts with their smash hit, 'We Found Love.' Harris announced the news on his Twitter. Disappointing. Yes, she's clearly going to snatch more Billboard records right from underneath another legend, but 'ANTi' is such a good album. Why revert back into her usual old shtick?

Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Ariana Grande visited the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon recently, where she performed album title track 'Dangerous Woman.'

Ari's note changes and vocal control showed great technique. Her “Lip Sync Conversation” with the host was hilarious, and she even sat down for an interview. Methinks Ari's ponytail will be around until she's 80. That is, if she has any hair left, and Nanny Grande couldn't hide her forbidden lust for the married host. Look out for Ari's new album 'Dangerous Woman' when it drops May 20th via Republic Records.

As Beyoncé gets ready to kick off her 'Formation' world tour later tonight, here's your latest news round-up!

May as well cram it all in one post since it's all 'Lemonade' related! Beyoncé's new album 'Lemonade' became available for download on iTunes and Amazon this week. Sony sources say they're expecting first day sales of 200k, with the project possibly doing between 500k-600k first week. May 6th is being eyed for the physical release. However, Tidal will have a permanent exclusive on the streaming front.

Oh no! Rita Ora posted an Instagram image of herself in a "Lemonade" bra a few days ago, prompting backlash.

It has been rumoured for years that Rita was getting jiggy with the Jiggaman himself, and now Beyhive have reacted by swamping her page. She is facing accusations of being “Becky” on Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' track, ‘Sorry’ (despite Rachel Roy being roasted for the same accusation) days ago. Rita took to Twitter yesterday to set the record straight and has now denied those pesky rumours.

Sunday, 24 April 2016

According to HDD and the New York Times, Beyoncé's Tidal exclusivity of new album 'Lemonade' will be very short-lived.

The set will be released to iTunes and Amazon tonight, and was just made available to purchase on Tidal. Smart move! Bey must have witnessed the messy farce that went on surrounding the Tidal releases of Rihanna and Kanye West and decided to react much quicker. Jay Z should still be thankful. After all, Bey's new album has already made Tidal one of the top apps in the App Store!

Rachel Roy is really feeling the roasting Beyhive have bestowed upon her. Roy issued a statement to Twitter after privatizing her Instagram.

It was all fun and games when Jay Z's alleged mistress appeared to be referencing Beyoncé's 'Sorry' lyric in a brag like, mocking way. If it was attention she was after, she sure got it. What she wasn't expecting was the vicious backlash which resulted in endless attacks and her Wiki page being vandalized. Hmmm... Seems like Jay Z is getting off lightly despite being the one to say his vows.

Ashes to ashes and dust to side chicks. This morning, Rachel Roy posted to Instagram a very telling caption. Beyhive have been calling her a whore since.

"Good hair don't care," says Roy. Meanwhile, Beyoncé's new song 'Sorry' features the lyric, “He only want me when I’m not there. He better call Becky with the good hair.” It has long been rumored Roy is the reason Solangebeat upJay Z at the MET Gala in 2014. Why do people think it's Roy though? Isn't 'Becky' slang for white chick? My guess would have been Rita Ora (hint).

Beyoncé exclusively dropped her sixth studio album ‘Lemonade’ to Tidal last night, right after the album's one hour HBO special.

The 12-song visual album has dark concepts and is based on every woman’s journey of self knowledge and healing. Did Bey really shade the sh*t out of Jay Z on most of it though? He probably cheated on her ass for real. Tidal will reportedly have a short streaming exclusive of 48 hours. A physical release has yet to be confirmed. What are your favourite songs on 'Lemonade'? Peep the full song credits below!

Friday, 22 April 2016

Thursday spottings: Mariah Carey suffers a wardrobe malfunction during a post-gig party in Paris last night. Roc & Roe, come get yo mama!

Christina Aguilera paid tribute to her daughter Summer Rain with her large hoop earrings as she attended The Voice Karaoke for Charity event in Hollywood. Cute. Style icon Jennifer Lopez looked elegantly classy as she headed to a Q&A for her NBC cop drama 'Shades Of Blue' in Los Angeles on Thursday. The hit show was picked up for a second season.

Fantasia unwraps the official cover art for new album 'The Definition Of' and from the project, releases a brand new track titled, 'So Blue.'

The track is about a failed relationship and realising that revenge isn't always the answer. Sounds like she's talking from experience, and we know life hasn't been kind to her on that front (suicide attempt etc). The island twang in her voice breezes over the summery tune, which contains violins and a midtempo instrumental. 'The Definition Of' is set for a June 10th release.

Not to mention she has a certain glow to her. In any case, watch this space. Samantha Mumba also rocked up at the Norma Jean Gala in Los Angeles. Talk about a blast from the past. Can't say I'm feeling this look much, but her body looks great. Mariah Carey was seen leaving the Plaza Hotel in Paris. She keeps shrinking and looks absolutely fab. Keep going girl! Check out her tribute to Princehere.

HBO is letting everyone watch Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' premiere for free this weekend. Great promo tool for album sales.

Lily Allentried to come for Rita Ora as she paid tribute to the late, great Prince. Hollywood actor Will Smithsaid he just spoke to Prince last night. Wow. Rihanna’s latest album 'ANTi' could return to the top spot on next week's Billboard 200. Alicia Keys will perform her brand new single at the BET Awards on June 26th (we'll hear it waaay before then).

Ciara took to the stage to perform some of her biggest hits for WE day in Seattle on Wednesday (April 20th).

You know, the usual songs like 'Goodies', '1,2 Step,' and 'Lose Control,' as well as 'Jackie' track 'Give Me Love.' WE day is a celebration of youth making a difference in their local and global communities. Enjoy this performance while we wait for Ciara to drop the biggest masterpiece of her career.

Today, the world lost a musical legend. Superstar Prince was found dead at his home this morning in Chanhassen, Minneapolis.

On Friday (April 15th), his private jet was forced to make an
emergency landing in Illinois, so that he could be taken to hospital. He was suffering from flu symptoms. The next day, Prince made his final public appearance at a dance party in Minnesota where he told fans, "Wait a few days before you waste any prayers." Damn. The Grimm Reaper is not playing in 2016. R.I.P. purple one.

During a sleepover, the negligee-clad foursome dance around and eat pizza, as they shake off a sour break up. Such a fun video!

"He was just a dick," but Little Mix aren't sweating it. Dancehall king Sean Paul not only features on the newly revamped song, but makes an appearance in the sexy visuals for 'Hair.' The girls, who are currently in the middle of their 'Get Weird' tour, shot the Vevo-released video inside a luxury mansion with Director X. The track itself is lifted off their latest third studio album 'Get Weird,' out now.

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Gangster gun-toting Rih comes out full force in the video for 'Needed Me,' which sees her walking through a strip club and murdering a man in cold blood.

The very NSFW visual is a combo of various concepts used in previous vids. You see 'Bitch Better Have My Money,' 'Pour It Up,' and 'Man Down.' You've probably seen Rih's nipples more than you've seen your own. On set pics looked good, but unfortunately, the final product left a lot to be desired. She still looked gawjus though. The DJ Mustard-produced cut is lifted off her latest album 'ANTi,' out now.

Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Missy Elliott shared pics of her studio session with Bruno Mars. "It’s so inspiring to vibe with people who can create real music and have a creative mind!" she writes.

Bruno also played some of his new music to Missy, which she was excited about. Mars hasn't released anything since 2014’s feature on Mark Ronson’s smash 'Uptown Funk.' His dad recently admitted his son was planning to drop his new record in March, but the Super Bowl got in the way. He says they are now eyeing September or October for next year’s Grammy eligibility. Are you here for their collab?

Rihanna's former publicist claims Rihanna is "upset" with Jay Z's Tidal streaming service following lukewarm album sales and unforgivable mishandling (1,2,3,4,5).

Record producer Jonathon Haysays: "For Jay Z to make his artists do this is so bad because this is affecting their legacy. It’s really crazy and I know for a fact Rihanna is upset about the Tidal thing and you can see it when you go to her Twitter. ‘ANTi’s rollout was sloppy, the rollout was bad, to go on Tidal exclusively and eliminate Spotify and Apple is absolutely mad." He's absolutely right!

Are you ready to be entertained?! Four days to go until Beyoncé's one hour HBO special 'Lemonade' goes on air.

What will you be eating when the world premiere event has everyone on the edge of their seats? My ideal snack? Pork scratchings and some sparkly Lemonade! It's okay to have a cheat day right? I suppose everyone will be scared to go to bed just in case her album lands on iTunes afterwards. In related news, her 'Formation' tour kicks off in 7 days and DJ Khaled has just been announced as a support act!

Cassie gets a lead role in 'Honey 3,' and it doesn't even make it to the theaters. Apparently, it's going straight to DVD.

A trailer for 'Honey 3,' the latest installment in the dance franchise, has just been released. The Bille Woodruff directed film was shot on location in Cape Town, South Africa at a time when her boyfriend Diddy was caught coming out of a sex shop with his ex Kim Porter. Good luck on prospering further in acting if that's what she chooses to focus on. Too bad we will never get another album from her. She had some bops.

During Mariah Carey’s latest stop on the 'Sweet Sweet Fantasy' tour, she posed with a fan who held a sign that read “still don’t know her.”

In case you're out the loop, a reporter asked Mariah about Jennifer Lopez years ago, to which she responded, “I don’t know her.” A gif from it went mega viral. Then just last month, Mariah said, "I still don't know her!" The sign mimics MC's recently renewed response to her one time pop nemesis. Gotta love her kanye shrug in the pic. No need to shade when your fans can do it for you!

Ciara, who departed Epic Records earlier this year talks a bit about her new album and tells ABC Radio recently that:

“I’m taking my time with it, I’m super, super excited about this project. You know, I really want to make sure that its truly my best yet, and also I want to take my time. I won’t say where I’m at with it but I’m super happy with how it’s going.” She goes on to say there are "lots of good songs" and we will just have to "wait and see" when the project arrives. Hmmm...

Monday, 18 April 2016

Chris Brown says he felt like a monster after beating Rihanna, and when the media came after him he even considered suicide.

Breezy made his admission during a newly released trailer for his upcoming documentary ‘Welcome To My Life.’ Uh, there's no attempting suicide eh Chris? It needs to be said but... you really should stop flexing for viewers. Multiple media outlets have also slammed the trailer. The special will feature commentary from industry pals Usher, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez to name the few.

Rihanna now has the second most cumulative weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a total of 60 weeks at number one with 'Work'!

She has broken The Beatles' record for having the second most weeks at number one in Billboard Hot 100 history! Daaayum. Rihanna shows no signs of letting up! 'We Found Love' is about to get a serious contender because the Drake-assisted cut is clearly coming for that 10th week! Below is an updated look at the acts that have logged the most time atop the Hot 100 since the chart’s 1958 inception.

UK crooner Craig David teams up with British house duo Blonde for their joint new single 'Nothing Like This,' and the video has just been released.

Are you ready for the bees and the flowers to blossom? Because this tune has summer written all over it! Okay, so I'm really not impressed that he's single handedly trying to bring back garage. It's obvious he's trying to recapture what he had in his glory days. But it's good he's keeping his name out there on songs like 'When The Bassline Drops' and 'Who Am I.' When he drops his new album, I'm all ears.

Alicia Keys will serve as the musical guest during the May 7th episode of Saturday Night Live.

AK officially announced her new music in a fresh Instagram post over the weekend. Alicia hasn't released a good album since 'The Element of Freedom.' If she thought 2012’s 'Girl On Fire' was the answer, she needs to think again and work with better producers. Ms. Keys doesn't need to be trying to go all the way mainstream. As long as the music is good, I think her hardcore fanbase would actually support it.

As a surprise guest, Rihanna took to the Coachella stage during Calvin Harris’ set last night to perform their #1 smash 'We Found Love.'

Taylor Swift fangirled over Rihanna performing with her boyfriend on stage. Crowds were so hyped it didn't even matter that Ri sang only a few words, allowing her backing track to do most of the work. Some fans even said they had goosebumps over the performance. Good to know Ri's appearance wasn't just about cozying up next to Leonardo DiCaprio. Cue the rumours all over again!

HBO released an extended trailer for Beyoncé's upcoming special last night. ...

Bey's new album is definitely coming. The newly released minute long trailer looks like an opening credit sequence for 'American Horror Story,' and sees Bey getting in touch with her rebellious side. Looks interesting, but very eerie. The visual will also feature an appearance from model Winnie Harlow. The “world premiere event” is set for Saturday, April 23rd, at 9pm.

Sunday, 17 April 2016

Ariana Grande's ‘Let Me Love You,’ a collaboration with Lil Wayne has now surfaced online via pre-order of her brand new album 'Dangerous Woman.'

Ariana is bringing back that super smooth R&B, which is very chill and hypnotizing. Though the track isn't better than her recently released songs, I'm still enjoying this one quite a lot. I mean, it's cute and Wayne's verse isn't exactly soul destroying. I'll definitely take it. Ari will also be releasing her upcoming third studio album 'Dangerous Woman' on May 20th.

Beyoncédrops a teaser video for her album movie, 'Lemonade,' which is set to premiere on
HBO.

Boom! You have to commend Bey for going the extra mile with her releases, especially during a time where albums are harder to sell. The “world premiere event” is set for Saturday, April 23rd, at 9pm. The movie is in promotion of Bey’s new album, which is expected to drop sometime this month. Meanwhile, her 'Formation' world tour kicks off April 27th in Miami.

Kelly Rowland's unexpected new single 'Gimme Love' is part of a lucrative partnershipwith Seagram’s Escapes Flavored Coolers.

This song deserves a big fat meh! When Kelly comes correct with a dance song, she owns it. But in this case, 'Gimme Love' is an absolute, hot mess! It really is all over the place, and those strained notes don't help her cause either. I suspect such a song would probably see some success in the UK. But be relieved that this isn't her official comeback single.

Brandydropped her 'Beggin' & Pleadin' music video this week, and she's channeling Shug Avery from a scene in The Color Purple.

Sequins and jukejoint vibes are featured in the vintage clip, which sees Brandy taking it back to the 1920s. Brandy is currently embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with Chameleon Entertainment Group for $1 million. She's accused the label’s CEO Breyon Prescott of career sabotage. But this week he's fought back defending himself, even going as far as listing all of her career failures. Nasty!

It's been17 years sinceMariah Carey's boyfriendJerry O'Connell was stolen by her alter ego Bianca in her 'Heartbreaker' music video in 1999.

That very alter ego has now resurfaced! The duo ended up having a bad ass bathroom brawl back in the day, and the singer reprised the character in a snap posted to her Instagram over the weekend. Mimi looks amazing while showing off the results of her pre-wedding diet. Her wedding to billionaire James Packer is set to take place this summer.

The magazine circuit seems to have taken over Tinashe's career, but it's a smart way to keep her name out there. After all, her music career seems to have hit a standstill. I say get those modelling credits. Why not? Anyway, she serves up a very fun and girly shoot, while rocking lacy pink and a Moschino ensemble. In the interview, she discusses her new album ‘Joyride,’ and more, which can be read here.

Despite being a tad bit boring,J.Lo's W cover is simple, yet stylish. I suppose it isn't her typical look, which kind of adds to the appeal.

The cover was shot by Inez & Vinoodh and sees Jen decked out in Chanel for the front page. She gets deep and personal in a no holds bar interview for the mag's May 2016 cover story. She opens up on remaining friends with ex-husband Marc Anthony, her current relationship with Casper Smart and proving herself in a man’s world. Click here to read the entire interview.

Monday, 11 April 2016

Ariana Grandeperformed a sultry and jazzy rendition of her new single 'Dangerous Woman' at the MTV Movie Awards, over the weekend.

She performed the track for the second time on television, and was backed by Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown on piano. This was a classy and elegant showing from Ari and her notes were pretty. My only issue with it would be that her voice lacks seasoning. She's a talented vocalist but she sings with no soul whatsoever. Her third studio album 'Dangerous Woman' is due in stores on May 20th.

RihannaandDrake's latest single 'Work' spends an eighth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

She now ties withThe Beatlesfor the second-most weeks at number one (59), and trails only behind leaderMariah Carey(79.) Rihanna tiedMichael Jacksonwith her 13th number one and now ties The Beatles with her 14th number one. Oh, not bad for a single that serves as one of her worst leads to date and especially one where we can barely make out a word she is saying other than the chorus. #DatRihannaReign

Robin Leach from Las Vegas Sun reveals the first single fromBritney Spears’ upcoming ninth studio album is called 'Make Me (Oooh).'

Britney will
reportedly shoot the video for her new single next Monday, and both are set to be
released four weeks later when editing is completed. 'Make Me' will be added to 'Piece of Me' at Axis when the next segment of her residency resumes June 17th. Um, wasn't Fergie's new album suppose to drop in March? All these so-called album announcements and they never come through.

Ciarahas never had an Essence cover, and gets one at a time where the magazine just isn't as popular as it use to be.

She’s a headliner at the Essence Music Festival in June so it does make sense that she would get one. These are gorgeous covers, and I like Ciara with blonde in her hair. Her relationship with new fiance Russell Wilson has attracted a lot of media attention, so it would have been a great sales pitch to have him on the cover too. In the issue, she talks about motherhood and her engagement.

Friday, 8 April 2016

Just got home to the news thatCiarais hosting The Billboard Music Awards! I have to say her new manager is the real MVP!

She will be co-hosting the ceremony with her 'Ride' collaborator Ludacris. I know her fans will be looking at this as some sort of come-up. Not to take away from her good news, but she needs to be performing on these platforms too. A hosting gig isn't going to make up for the amount of failed albums she has left behind in her trail. The May 22nd event will air live at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on ABC.

I still think the song is naff (sorry I tried), but J.Lo's performance was still a mesmerizing combination of energy, glamour, and domestic spectacle.

She hit the American Idol stage for the very last time during Thursday’s grand finale to debut her Meghan Trainor-penned new single 'Ain’t Your Mama.' She dazzled viewers with a set filled with showgirls, high octane choreography, and some pyro. They had J.Lo's ex-husband Cris Judd dancing on the show too, which must have been a bit weird. At least she's not bitter to deny him any prospect of work.

Thursday, 7 April 2016

The most powerful line inRihanna's 'Black Girls Rock!' acceptance speech? It would have to be the following...

"The minute you learn to love yourself, you would not want to be anybody else." Truer words have never been spoken. I think she gets a lot of flack for not being the type of role model that's expected of her. You can be a role model just by showing others that it's actually okay to be yourself in a world trying to change you. Rihanna embodies that to the fullest.

Jazmine Sullivanslapped on her Chaka Khan wig and let the boobs hang out, yet she delivered an outstanding performance of 'Reality Show' single 'Masterpiece.'

I like that her 'Black Girls Rock!' performance repped woman of all sizes, because Jazmine is curvier than your average woman. It needs to be stressed that plus size women are beautiful beings too! Of course it is always Jazmine's talent that shines through in the end, as evident in this performance. Those runs were something! *waves hand like I'm in church*

Monicaperformed her latest 'Code Red' single 'Alone In Your Heart,' and was backed by four beautiful ballerinas.

She also brought out her cute daughter Laiyah to the Black Girls Rock! stage.
Not much people are aware that 'Alone In Your Heart' is Monica's new single. She could definitely have done with promoting it some more. Sadly, nowadays a lot of platforms are not so accommodating when it comes to Monica and the likes. That's tragic because like Brandy, she's actually an R&B veteran.

Brandy put her Broadway training to good use for the first ever televised performance of new single 'Beggin & Pleadin.'

She hit up the Black Girls Rock! stage with intense Broadway aesthetics and classic blues feels. This woman just gave vocals, imagery, and acting to her set. What more could a fan possibly ask for? She does the singing, acting and theatrical thing really well. God forbid, but should she decide to stop doing music in her career, at least she always has something to fall back on.